Formed by volcanic activity during the Triassic Period (250 to 200 million years ago), Round Mountain reaches an elevation of 600 feet above sea level. The mountain was once used by the Lenni Lenape for encampments. Early European settlers cut timber for lumber and heating fuel. Fertile farmland surrounding the base of the mountain provided food for the settlers. Today, the logging road has been incorporated into the trail system and stone walls can be found at the edges of farm fields.

In 1979, the County purchased 55 acres from Frank and Krystel Keogh, who owned an industrial and gas-fired burner company. Most of the other tracts of land were purchased from Robert and Linda Stedman. Robert was a 747 airline pilot. Today, Round Mountain’s total acreage is 250 acres.

WILDLIFE AND HABITAT

Round Mountain’s 253 acres provide habitat to a diversified wildlife population. The forest canopy contains deciduous trees such as oaks, maples, ashes, and beech. Evergreens such as white pine and red cedar are present in isolated groves or at the edges of fields.

Round Mountain serves as a resting area for migratory birds and is home for many year round residents. Woodland birds such as Wood Thrush and warblers have been seen within the park. Wild Turkeys are a common sight. Eastern Bluebird and American Kestrel boxes have been installed to increase nesting opportunities for these species. There is a mountain stream which provides suitable habitat for amphibians, while the rocky terrain in some areas of the park provides suitable habitat for reptiles. White-tailed Deer and Red Fox are common. There has also been evidence of nocturnal mammals such as Raccoons and Striped Skunks.

The Hunterdon County Parks and Recreation Division is dedicated to preserving open space and natural resources, providing safe parks and facilities, and offering educational and recreational opportunities, all contributing to an enhanced quality of life for present and future generations.

The Round Mountain Section is located in Readington Township at 100 Foothill Road, Flemington 08822. Restrooms and additional parking are available at Deer Path Park, 120 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington.

Directions to Foothill Road Parking from the Flemington Area: Take Route 31 north about 5 miles from the Flemington Circle. Before the second light after crossing the South Branch of the Raritan River, turn right onto Foothill Road. This is a windy gravel road. The parking area is on the right just before the intersection with Route 629.

Directions to Foothill Road Parking from the Clinton Area: Take Route 31 south about 5.5 miles from Interstate 78. Use the jug handle for Route 618 (Stanton Grange Road) and proceed to the end of this road. Turn right onto Route 629 and drive about 3/4 mile. Turn right onto Foothill Road. The entrance to the parking area will be to the left.

Peter Buell Trail:This trail was named in honor of a former employee. Peter Buell was instrumental in creating trails and trail networks within the county. This trail spans across Round Mountain, and eventually brings hikers out to Foothill Road.

Readington Township Open Space: Many parcels of open space next to county property are preserved by Readington Township. It is possible to hike to both the Dobozynski Farm
Park and the Bowman-Stickney Farmhouse from Round Mountain. Readington Township Parks can be reached at (908) 534-9752 or www.readingtontwp.org/parks_main.html.

In order to control the deer population, hunting is allowed (by Parks Division permit only) in some sections of this park. Please wear blaze orange during hunting season or confine your visits to Sundays. See additional information on the Hunterdon County Park System Controlled Hunting Program.